Comparative measles incidence among exposed military and nonmilitary persons in Anchorage, Alaska
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Published on: September 19, 2016
Danny J Glover1, Jeffrey DeMain, John R Herbold
1School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center, Mail Code 7676, 7703 Floyd Curl, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
Abstract:
An outbreak of measles that occurred in Anchorage, Alaska, in 1998 resulted in 33 diagnosed cases: 26 were laboratory confirmed and 7 were clinically confirmed. Twenty-nine (88%) of 33 cases occurred in individuals who had not been immunized with at least two measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations; 25 (76%) of 33 occurred in school-age children, 0 to 19 years of age. This study identifies the difference in the incidence of measles between the civilian school-age population, who was not completely immunized (two MMR vaccinations given at least 30 days apart), and the military dependent population who had been completely immunized. All cases occurred among civilians, and most (25 of 33 confirmed cases) were associated with school attendance. The authors conclude that a two-dose regimen of MMR vaccine is required to adequately protect individuals against measles.
Insights
An Anchorage measles outbreak in 1998 primarily affected unvaccinated school-aged children. The study highlights that two measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine doses are crucial for adequate protection against measles.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
- Public Health
Background:
- Measles outbreaks pose a significant public health risk, particularly in unvaccinated populations.
- The 1998 Anchorage measles outbreak provided a critical case study for vaccine efficacy.
- Understanding immunization status is key to controlling infectious disease spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of the 1998 Anchorage measles outbreak.
- To determine the effectiveness of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination in preventing measles.
- To compare measles incidence between vaccinated and unvaccinated civilian and military populations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of measles cases in Anchorage, Alaska, 1998.
- Case ascertainment through laboratory and clinical confirmation.
- Comparison of immunization status and demographic data between affected and unaffected populations.
Main Results:
- 33 measles cases were diagnosed, with 26 laboratory-confirmed and 7 clinically confirmed.
- 88% of cases occurred in individuals lacking at least two measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccinations.
- 76% of cases were school-aged children (0-19 years), with all cases occurring in civilians linked to school attendance.
Conclusions:
- A two-dose measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine regimen is essential for adequate individual protection against measles.
- Incomplete immunization significantly increases the risk of measles infection during outbreaks.
- School-based immunization programs are critical for preventing measles transmission in child populations.
